I use this one alot; just about every training session. Usually wear it with a set of thai pads for combo work. Very light, but absords the punishment well. Not a sparring vest, just coaching and working combos.

The more vest-like ones look like they would stay-put better during drills due to shoulder straps. That's all that keeps me from buying the $35 top contender one off-the-bat. It seems more like a big puffy belt that might slide around as I get punched, especially when someone messes up and skids off. Since your hands are going to be in focus mitts or thai pads that'd be pretty annoying to fix if it's a constant thing.

I use this one alot; just about every training session. Usually wear it with a set of thai pads for combo work. Very light, but absords the punishment well. Not a sparring vest, just coaching and working combos.

i use the belly-pad version of that (the DAT pad) and it's great. doesn't move around and it can absorb a lot heavier strikes than the normal ones (we have a twins belly pad and it's not even close)

"Face punches are an essential character building part of a martial art. You don't truly love your children unless you allow them to get punched in the face." - chi-conspiricy
"When I was a little boy, I had a sailor suit, but it didn't mean I was in the Navy." - Mtripp on the subject of a 5 year old karate black belt
"Without actual qualifications to be a Zen teacher, your instructor is just another roundeye raping Asian culture for a buck." - Errant108
"Seriously, who gives a **** what you or Errant think? You're Asian males, everyone just ignores you, unless you're in a krotty movie." - new2bjj

i perfer to use windy belly pads. they dont slip and offer more then enough protection when it comes to taking teeps, knees, ect. they can be a little on the expensive side, but i got mine when i first started training people and it is still in good shape 3 years later

I've been a shill for Boon Sport lately. Tune may change after years of wear, but so far it's good stuff. The pad is thick, you can buy two or one piece, and velcro or buckle. I settled on velcro after his vouching for quality, but am a bit worried it will wear-down after a couple years of use. Time will tell.